By: Fatou Krubally
Nine Gambian students selected for the 2026 Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme have completed a visa application support exercise organised by the Honorary Consulate of Hungary in The Gambia ahead of the commencement of their studies in Hungary.
The exercise, held in Banjul, brought together nine of the 10 Gambian recipients awarded fully funded scholarships by the Government of Hungary. One beneficiary deferred participation for personal reasons.
According to the Honorary Consulate, the exercise was organised to assist the students in completing and submitting their visa applications in accordance with the requirements of the Hungarian authorities.
The programme was coordinated by the Honorary Consul of Hungary to The Gambia, Sir Farimang Saho, with administrative support from the Consulate.
During the exercise, the students received guidance on the preparation and verification of key documents, including scholarship award letters, university admission letters, academic transcripts, passports and other documents required for visa processing.
The Consulate said all nine students successfully submitted their visa applications through the official online platform.
Addressing the students, Saho congratulated them on securing places under the scholarship programme and urged them to serve as good ambassadors for The Gambia during their studies.
He described the scholarship as an opportunity not only to pursue higher education but also to strengthen educational and cultural ties between The Gambia and Hungary.
The students also received briefings on Hungary’s education system, culture and living environment, while an interactive session addressed issues relating to academic life, visa procedures and travel arrangements.
The next stage of the process will require the students to submit original documents and complete biometric registration at the Embassy of Hungary in Accra, Ghana.
The Honorary Consulate said it is working to secure appointment dates to ensure the students complete the remaining formalities before the start of their academic programmes.
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme, established by the Government of Hungary, provides fully funded undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities for international students while promoting educational and cultural cooperation with partner countries.